Final answer:
The major purpose of awarded confinement, including incarceration, is to deter crime, prevent recidivism, punish, and rehabilitate offenders. The effectiveness of incarceration, especially for juveniles, is debated, with alternatives like diversion programs often being preferred. The justice system's approach to incarceration has evolved over time, seeking more enlightened methods in line with constitutional protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Purpose of Awarded Confinement
The major purpose of all awarded confinement, such as incarceration, is multi-faceted, involving deterrence, prevention of recidivism, punishment, and rehabilitation. Incarceration is meant to serve as a deterrent to potential criminals by showing the consequences of illegal actions. It is also aimed at preventing recidivism or the likelihood of a person committing another crime. For juveniles, however, incarceration may not always be effective and can increase future crime by reducing the chances of education and increasing social disadvantage. Instead of incarceration programs like diversion programs and community service have shown to be more effective.
The history and geography of punishment offers insight into the transformation of the justice system over time. For instance, the Eighth Amendment and various Supreme Court decisions have influenced how bail is set and how the incarcerated are treated, aiming for a more enlightened approach. The Stanford prison experiment also showed the psychological impact of prison life and power dynamics even in simulated environments.
Prisons and jails differ in their functions and the opportunities provided to those confined. Prisons generally house those with longer sentences and may offer classes and other opportunities meant to improve inmates' lives upon release, though these vary based on resources and the behavior of inmates. Historically, penitentiaries were developed with the intent to reform criminals through hard work and moral instruction. In contrast, the construction of workhouses and asylums had similar reformative goals for the poor and mentally ill.